City Council president fills four-year vacancy by appointing new state-mandated veterans affairs director.
In a significant step towards addressing a long-standing vacancy, Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson has announced the appointment of Gregory Wright as the new director of the Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs. This position, which is mandated by state law, had remained unfilled for four years, raising concerns among veterans advocates and leaving the city in violation of Pennsylvania law that requires each county to have a dedicated veteran affairs director.
Gregory Wright, a North Philadelphia native and former Pennsylvania National Guard staff sergeant, commenced his duties this week as the city’s veterans affairs director. The importance of this role cannot be understated; it primarily involves assisting former service members in their transition to civilian life by facilitating access to crucial local, state, and federal benefits and services. Philadelphia is home to more than 52,000 veterans, representing the second-largest veteran population in the state, yet the city was notably the only one among Pennsylvania’s 67 counties without an appointed director.
The vacancy had persisted under previous Council President Darrell L. Clarke, who did not fill the position before leaving office in December 2023. Johnson, who succeeded Clarke, emphasized the need for a careful selection process to find the right candidate. During the absence of a director, the veterans affairs office continued to operate and managed to assist over 13,000 veterans last year with various needs, including benefit claims, housing assistance, and tax exemptions.
Wright, who is 31 years old, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served 14 years in the Pennsylvania National Guard, including a deployment to the Middle East during the COVID-19 pandemic. His military accolades include the Army Achievement Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Wright holds a degree in criminal justice from Peirce College and an MBA from Eastern University.
Despite previous observations of low-profile office operations within the veterans affairs office, Johnson assured that Wright would have the necessary backing from the City Council to revitalize its services. The office currently operates with a budget of 5,300 for the fiscal year, which is significantly lower compared to neighboring counties that manage similar offices.
Going forward, Wright’s responsibilities will include not only helping veterans and their families navigate available resources but also collaborating with the city’s nine-member veterans advisory commission to develop an advocacy agenda for the veteran community.
As Johnson indicated, the appointment is expected to convey a message of care and support for the veteran population, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s commitment to enhancing services for those who have served in the armed forces. Media News Source will continue to monitor the impact of this appointment and the subsequent initiatives undertaken by Wright and the Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs.
